The orange and clove decoction is a warm drink with an intense and enveloping aroma, ideal for the colder months and perfect to enjoy after meals. The orange peel releases deep citrus notes, while the cloves add a strong spicy aroma, making this decoction particularly comforting.
Unlike teas, the decoction involves a real boiling of the ingredients, allowing the best extraction of the fragrances and characteristics of the spices. The result is an amber-colored, intense but balanced drink, suitable as an evening pause or as a natural end to a meal.
Thanks to its aromatic nature, this decoction is pleasant even without added sugars and is suitable for those who seek a simple hot drink, prepared with few ingredients and with a strong taste. If you wish, you can sweeten it slightly with honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, or stevia, adding them when the beverage is lukewarm.
Beneficial effects
The orange and clove decoction is appreciated for its benefits related to daily well-being. When drunk hot, it can promote digestion and help reduce the feeling of bloating after meals. Cloves provide a warming effect, while the orange makes the drink fragrant and pleasant. Being caffeine-free, it is also suitable for the evening and contributes to daily hydration.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 1 person
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, All Seasons
Ingredients for the Orange and Clove Decoction:
- 1 cup natural water
- 2 cloves
- 1/2 organic orange (only the peel)
Tools for the Orange and Clove Decoction:
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Cup
- 1 Strainer
Steps for Preparing the Orange and Clove Decoction:
Wash the orange well, dry it, and use a peeler to remove the peel, making sure to take only the orange part of the skin and avoiding the white part, which would be bitter. Place the cold water, orange peel, and cloves in a saucepan.
Bring slowly to a boil and let it simmer gently for about 8–10 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the decoction rest for another 5 minutes so that the flavors settle.
Strain and drink hot or warm.
This decoction can also be drunk plain. If desired, you can slightly sweeten it when the beverage is lukewarm using honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use the whole orange?
No, it is preferable to use only the peel, avoiding the juice and the white part, which would make the decoction bitter.
Can I increase the number of cloves?
It is better not to overdo it: 2 cloves are enough to flavor without overpowering the orange fragrance.
